2010-11 prep wrestling teams to watch

The Trojans should be one of the top teams in the state again as they go for their eighth straight Mississippi Valley Conference title. West had finished third or better in every state meet since 2003, winning four duals titles and two traditional titles, before placing fourth at the traditional meet last year. They return five state qualifiers, including state runner-up Gradey Gambrall, who is one of three state medalists from last year’s squad. The Trojans, who were 31-2 and the 3A runn-up at the 2010 state duals, should receive a boost from former Class 2A state champion and two-time placewinner Dakota Bauer and 3A state runner-up Elijah Sullivan, who transferred from Ballard and Council Bluffs Lewis Central, respectively. Middle and upper weights will be tough for West as it contends for a state crown.The Hawks hope experience from a year ago pays dividends this season. Prairie fielded a lineup dominated by freshmen in 2009-10. Prairie Coach Blake Williams said this team will be more balanced and it isn’t likely for all those freshman from last year will be starters this time. Prairie went 19-3 last year, going 8-0 to win the MVC Valley Division and reaching the state duals. They will need to be strong again with Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Linn-Mar fielding talented teams. State medalists Zach Witte (2nd in 2009) and Peyton Wagner (7th in 2010) lead the way, along with state qualifier Alex Steenblock.The Raiders open the season ranked sixth in the team standings, coming off a 22-5 decord and placing 15th at state tournament and qualifying for regional duals. Coach Grant Eckenrod, in his 10th season leading Williamsburg, has a record 33 kids out this season. One dilemma exists, however, as some quality wrestlers are stacked in the same weight classes. The Raiders have a strong core of wrestlers returning, led by senior Austin Blythe and junior J.C. Vercande. Blythe is attempting to become a four-time state finalist, winning his second 2A state title at heavyweight last season. Vercande had 41 wins, earning his second state medal and placing sixth in 2010.The Mustangs are coming off a season where they placed eighth at state and won their second straight Wamac conference tournament, posting a 19-4 dual record after losing to 2A state dual champion Denver-Tripoli in the regional dual finals. Half of the lineup returns from a year ago, but overall depth and numbers in the room are concerns for Coach Michael Doyle. Independence has four ranked wrestlers, including top-ranked 189-pounder Blaize Cabell, who went 42-3 but suffered an disappointing finish at state. Austin Evens (8th at 112), Chris Johnson (10th at 152) and Nick Fuller (9th at 160) ae also ranked.The Lions thrived last year under new head coach Jamie Kamberling and his assistant Greg Butteris. Some of that old Lisbon toughness and swagger returned as the Lions went 21-6 and placed fourth at the 1A state duals tournament. The Lions made a run at a trophy at the traditional tournament as well, placing fourth and three points out of third. Lisbon returns four of five state qualifiers from 2010, including state runner-up Dacoda Ward, Tait Simpson (5th at 135) and Kolbi Kohl (6th at 119). Expect more of the same from the Lions this season.The Pirates claimed the school’s first ever trophy, placing third in the Class 1A state tournament last year. Coach Kane Thompson has built a strong program, that contended for a Tri-Rivers Conference title. Alburnett boasts one of the best 1-2 combos in the state with defending state yler Schulista and Christopher Halblom, who are top-ranked at 119 and 125, respectively.They return quite a bit of experience, which includes state qualifiers Colton Martin, Grant Henderson and Alex German. The Pirates will rely on their experience and leadership to help incoming freshmen with potential and overcome a lack of depth in the upper weights.